Camouflage in Predators

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Camouflage in Predators CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by St Andrews Research Repository Biol. Rev. (2020), pp. 000–000. 1 doi: 10.1111/brv.12612 Camouflage in predators Matilda Q. R. Pembury Smith* and Graeme D. Ruxton School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Dyers Brae House, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TH, U.K. ABSTRACT Camouflage – adaptations that prevent detection and/or recognition – is a key example of evolution by natural selection, making it a primary focus in evolutionary ecology and animal behaviour. Most work has focused on camouflage as an anti-predator adaptation. However, predators also display specific colours, patterns and behaviours that reduce visual detection or recognition to facilitate predation. To date, very little attention has been given to predatory camouflage strategies. Although many of the same principles of camouflage studied in prey translate to predators, differences between the two groups (in motility, relative size, and control over the time and place of predation attempts) may alter selection pressures for certain visual and behavioural traits. This makes many predatory camouflage techniques unique and rarely documented. Recently, new technologies have emerged that provide a greater opportunity to carry out research on natural predator–prey interactions. Here we review work on the camouflage strategies used by pursuit and ambush predators to evade detection and recognition by prey, as well as looking at how work on prey camouflage can be applied to predators in order to understand how and why specific predatory camouflage strategies may have evolved. We highlight that a shift is needed in camouflage research focus, as this field has comparatively neglected cam- ouflage in predators, and offer suggestions for future work that would help to improve our understanding of camouflage. Key words: camouflage, crypsis, predation, behaviour, movement, mimicry, evolution CONTENTS I. Introduction .........................................................................2 II. Ambush predators .....................................................................2 (1) Aggressive crypsis ................................................................. 3 (2) Aggressive masquerade ............................................................. 4 (3) Aggressive mimicry ................................................................ 4 (a) Aggressive mimicry without a lure .................................................. 4 (b) Aggressive mimicry using a generalised lure .......................................... 5 (c) Aggressive mimicry using a specialised lure ........................................... 5 III. Pursuit predators ......................................................................6 (1) Dynamic crypsis via background-matching .............................................. 6 (2) Dynamic crypsis via disruptive colouration .............................................. 6 (3) Motion masquerade ................................................................ 7 (4) Motion camouflage ................................................................ 8 IV. Factors affecting the evolution of camouflage strategies in predators ..............................9 (1) Time of attack .................................................................... 9 (2) Size ........................................................................... 10 (3) Prey ........................................................................... 10 (4) Environment .................................................................... 12 V. Conclusions .........................................................................12 VI. References ..........................................................................13 * Address for correspondence (Tel: +44 (0) 7503152203; E-mail: [email protected]) Biological Reviews (2020) 000–000 © 2020 The Authors. Biological Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Cambridge Philosophical Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 2 Matilda Q. R. Pembury Smith and Graeme D. Ruxton I. INTRODUCTION arise are key examples of evolution by natural selection (Wallace, 1889; Poulton, 1890; Cott, 1940), camouflage as an Animal camouflage is a morphological adaptation which anti-predator strategy is heavily documented in the literature. describes all forms of concealment that hinder detection Many predators also display specific colours, patterns and and recognition (Merilaita & Stevens, 2011). Predation, a behaviours that appear to reduce visual detection or recognition biological interaction in which one organism kills another to improve prey-capture success. Although some predator sys- for food, is likely to be one of the strongest selective forces tems have been analysed, less attention has been given overall in nature. Camouflage is often considered a critical compo- to predatory camouflage strategies, likely a result of increased nent of both prey and predator survival strategies challenges when monitoring predatory behaviour. The terri- (Cott, 1940; Endler, 1981; Stevens & Merilaita, 2009; Rux- tories of large predators span wide geographical areas, making ton, Sherratt & Speed, 2004). observations of natural predation events difficult, and their large Although camouflage is used as an umbrella term to describe size means handling can impose a risk to the investigator. Most all strategies that prevent detection and recognition, there are predation events are hard to predict, as some predatory strate- many different ways in which organisms can conceal them- gies are only expressed at the onset of an attack. It can also be selves. The most commonly documented is crypsis: adaptations difficult to identify whether a particular trait has evolved to involving body colouration that delay detection (Endler, 1978; reduce detection by prey or detection by another predator, as Merilaita & Stevens, 2011; Merilaita, Scott-Samuel & non-apex predators will operate under both selection pressures. Cuthill, 2017; Ruxton et al., 2004). There are many forms of Despite these challenges, camouflage in predators is important crypsis, the best known being background-matching whereby to document. Although many of the same principles studied in an organism matches the colour and pattern of their surround- prey, such as minimising detection and or recognition, also ings (Stuart-Fox, Moussalli & Whiting, 2008; Merilaita & apply to predators, the purpose of camouflage in predators is Stevens, 2011; Ruxton & Stevens, 2015; Kang, Kim & to gain close proximity to prey. Pursuit and ambush predation Jang, 2016). Others include: disruptive colouration, where use different strategies to achieve this goal, giving rise to a vari- an organism displays a highly contrasting colour pattern in ety of unique adaptations. Predators are also generally larger order to break up their body outline (Cuthill et al., 2005; than their prey. Although research on the role of size on camou- Schaefer & Stobbe, 2006; Stevens & Cuthill, 2006); self- flage is limited, it has been established that larger organisms are shadow concealment (Wilkinson & Sherratt, 2008; Kelley & more conspicuous in comparison to small organisms Merilaita, 2015; Caro, 2016), in which colour patterns (nor- (Main, 1987), meaning that predators must evolve ways in mally a dark upper surface colour and a pale underside) which to remain camouflaged despite their size. Finally, as pred- reduce detection by subverting variation in shadowing that is ators are at liberty to choose when and where to attack their used to separate objects visually from their background prey, they only need to avoid detection during these specific (Chapman, Kaufman & Chapman, 1994; Stauffer, Hale & times and locations. By contrast, prey species need to maintain Seltzer, 1999); transparency (Mackie & Mackie, 1967; camouflagemoreconsistentlyastheyhavealimitedabilityto Johnsen, 2001); silvering/mirrors (Denton, 1970, 1971) and predict the presence of a threat. This enables predators to self-decoration (Allgaier, 2007; Yanes et al., 2009). fine-tune their camouflage strategy to specific situations, unlike Despite camouflage research predominantly focusing on prey which have to achieve successful camouflage over a range the efficacy of crypsis strategies, there are many other forms of contexts. These differences between predators and prey may of camouflage that do not prevent initial detection. They alter the selection pressures for certain visual and behavioural instead interfere with an organism’s cognitive processes traits, making many predatory camouflage strategies unique. rather than sensory processes, in order to reduce recognition This review analyses anti-detection and anti-recognition or capture success. Examples include masquerade, in which strategies in ambush and pursuit predators, focusing on the the organism resembles another object (Endler, 1981; Allen & differences and similarities between the selection pressures Cooper, 1985; Edmunds, 1990; Skelhorn et al., 2010), dazzle they face, and how these contrast with those experienced by camouflage, in which detection occurs but colour patterns or prey. The diversity of camouflage strategies in predators movement confuse the detector as to the animal’s speed and highlights the importance of minimising detection by prey. direction (Thayer, 1909; Jackson, Ingram & Campbell, 1976; As some predatory
Recommended publications
  • On Visual Art and Camouflage
    University of Northern Iowa UNI ScholarWorks Faculty Publications Faculty Work 1978 On Visual Art and Camouflage Roy R. Behrens University of Northern Iowa Let us know how access to this document benefits ouy Copyright ©1978 The MIT Press Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/art_facpub Part of the Art and Design Commons Recommended Citation Behrens, Roy R., "On Visual Art and Camouflage" (1978). Faculty Publications. 7. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/art_facpub/7 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Faculty Work at UNI ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of UNI ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Leonardo. Vol. 11, pp. 203-204. 0024--094X/78/070 I -0203S02.00/0 6 Pergamon Press Ltd. 1978. Printed in Great Britain. ON VISUAL ART AND CAMOUFLAGE Roy R. Behrens* In a number of books on visual fine art and design [ 1, 21, countershading makes a 3-dimensional object seem flat, there is mention of the kinship between camouflage and while normal shading in flat paintings can make a painting, but no one has, to my knowledge, pursued it. I depicted object appear to be 3-dimensional. He also have intermittently researched this relationship for discussed the function of disruptive patterning, in which several years, and my initial observations have recently even the most brilliant colors may contribute to the been published [3]. Now I have been awarded a faculty destruction of an animal’s outline. While Thayer’s research grant from the Graduate School of the description of countershading is still respected, his book is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue this considered somewhat fanciful because of exaggerated subject in depth.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Selection by Two K-Selected Species: an Application to Bison and Sage Grouse
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 2013-12-01 Habitat Selection by Two K-Selected Species: An Application to Bison and Sage Grouse Joshua Taft Kaze Brigham Young University - Provo Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Animal Sciences Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Kaze, Joshua Taft, "Habitat Selection by Two K-Selected Species: An Application to Bison and Sage Grouse" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 4284. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4284 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Habitat Selection by Two K-Selected Species: An Application to Bison and Sage-Grouse in Utah Joshua T. Kaze A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science Randy T. Larsen, Chair Steven Peterson Rick Baxter Department of Plant and Wildlife Science Brigham Young University December 2013 Copyright © 2013 Joshua T. Kaze All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Habitat Selection by Two K-Selected Species: An Application to Bison and Sage-Grouse in Utah Joshua T. Kaze Department of Plant and Wildlife Science, BYU Masters of Science Population growth for species with long lifespans and low reproductive rates (i.e., K- selected species) is influenced primarily by both survival of adult females and survival of young. Because survival of adults and young is influenced by habitat quality and resource availability, it is important for managers to understand factors that influence habitat selection during the period of reproduction.
    [Show full text]
  • Predators As Agents of Selection and Diversification
    diversity Review Predators as Agents of Selection and Diversification Jerald B. Johnson * and Mark C. Belk Evolutionary Ecology Laboratories, Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-801-422-4502 Received: 6 October 2020; Accepted: 29 October 2020; Published: 31 October 2020 Abstract: Predation is ubiquitous in nature and can be an important component of both ecological and evolutionary interactions. One of the most striking features of predators is how often they cause evolutionary diversification in natural systems. Here, we review several ways that this can occur, exploring empirical evidence and suggesting promising areas for future work. We also introduce several papers recently accepted in Diversity that demonstrate just how important and varied predation can be as an agent of natural selection. We conclude that there is still much to be done in this field, especially in areas where multiple predator species prey upon common prey, in certain taxonomic groups where we still know very little, and in an overall effort to actually quantify mortality rates and the strength of natural selection in the wild. Keywords: adaptation; mortality rates; natural selection; predation; prey 1. Introduction In the history of life, a key evolutionary innovation was the ability of some organisms to acquire energy and nutrients by killing and consuming other organisms [1–3]. This phenomenon of predation has evolved independently, multiple times across all known major lineages of life, both extinct and extant [1,2,4]. Quite simply, predators are ubiquitous agents of natural selection. Not surprisingly, prey species have evolved a variety of traits to avoid predation, including traits to avoid detection [4–6], to escape from predators [4,7], to withstand harm from attack [4], to deter predators [4,8], and to confuse or deceive predators [4,8].
    [Show full text]
  • LS28 Camouflage and Mimicry Follow up Student #2
    Follow-up Activity: For Students Life Science 28: Camouflage and Mimicry Introduction: In this lesson, camouflage & mimicry were explored as examples of adaptations adopted by animals to increase their chances of survival. What can an animal do to keep from being a predator's dinner? To survive, some animals use camouflage so they can better blend in with their surroundings. Camouflage is a set of colorings or markings on an animal that help it to blend in with its surroundings, or habitat, and prevent it from being recognized as potential prey. Activity: Candy Camouflage In this science activity, you and your friends will become the hungry predators and you'll hunt for different colored candies. But it may not be as easy as it sounds—some of your prey will be camouflaged by their habitats. Are you ready for the challenge? Materials: • Six plastic bags (one bag for M&Ms; 5 bags for Skittles, separated by color) • Plain M&Ms; at least 10 of each color (at least two 1.69-ounce packages may be needed) • Skittles; at least 60 of each color (one 16-oz package) • Metal pie tin or other deep plate • Cups for collecting candies during the hunt; one cup per predator • Timer • Data charts (attached) • 2-4 Volunteer predators to be hungry M&Ms-feasting birds Preparation: 1. Place 10 M&Ms of each color (yellow, blue, green, brown, red, orange) into one plastic bag 2. Place 60 Skittles of each color (orange, green, red, yellow, purple) into separate plastic bags. This means you will have 5 separate bags of Skittles: one bag containing only red, one bag containing only orange, one bag containing green, one bag of purple and one bag of yellow) 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach
    Changes in the 4th Edition of Reef Fish Identification - Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach Prepared by Paul Humann for members of Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) This document summarizes the changes, updates, and new species presented in the 4th edition of Reef Fish Identification- Florida, Caribbean, and Bahamas by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach (1st printing, released June 2014). This document was created as reference for REEF volunteer surveyors. Chapter 1 – no significant changes Chapter 2 - Silvery pg 64-5t – Redfin Needlefish – new species pg 68-9m – Ladyfish – new species pg 72-3m – Harvestfish – new species pg 72-3b – Longspine Porgy – new species pg74-5 – Silver Porgy & Spottail Pinfish – 2 additional pictures of young and more information on distinguishing between the two species pg 84-5b – Bigeye Mojarra – new species pgs 90-1 & 92-3t – Chubs new species – there are now 4 species of chub in the book – Topsail Chub and Brassy Chub are easily distinguishable. Brassy Chub is the updated ID of Yellow Chub. Bermuda Chub and Gray Chub are lumped due to difficulties in underwater ID (Gray Chub, K biggibus, replaced Yellow Chub in this lumping). Chapter 3 – Grunts & Snappers pg 106-7b and 108-9t – Boga and Bonnetmouth are both now in the Grunt Family (Haemulidae), the Bonnetmouth Family, Inermiidae, is no longer valid. Chapter 4 – Damselfish & Hamlets pgs 132-3 & 134-5 – Cocoa Damselfish and Beaugregory, new pictures and tips for distinguishing between the species pg 142m – Yellowtail Reeffish - new picture of older adult brown variation has been added, which looks of strikingly different from the younger adult pg 147-8b – Florida Barred Hamlet – new species (distinctive from regular Barred Hamlet) pg 153-4t – Tan Hamlet – official species has now been described (Hypoplectrus randallorum), differs from previously included “Tan Hypoplectrus sp.”.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Stages of Fishes in the Western North Atlantic Ocean Volume
    ISBN 0-9689167-4-x Early Stages of Fishes in the Western North Atlantic Ocean (Davis Strait, Southern Greenland and Flemish Cap to Cape Hatteras) Volume One Acipenseriformes through Syngnathiformes Michael P. Fahay ii Early Stages of Fishes in the Western North Atlantic Ocean iii Dedication This monograph is dedicated to those highly skilled larval fish illustrators whose talents and efforts have greatly facilitated the study of fish ontogeny. The works of many of those fine illustrators grace these pages. iv Early Stages of Fishes in the Western North Atlantic Ocean v Preface The contents of this monograph are a revision and update of an earlier atlas describing the eggs and larvae of western Atlantic marine fishes occurring between the Scotian Shelf and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (Fahay, 1983). The three-fold increase in the total num- ber of species covered in the current compilation is the result of both a larger study area and a recent increase in published ontogenetic studies of fishes by many authors and students of the morphology of early stages of marine fishes. It is a tribute to the efforts of those authors that the ontogeny of greater than 70% of species known from the western North Atlantic Ocean is now well described. Michael Fahay 241 Sabino Road West Bath, Maine 04530 U.S.A. vi Acknowledgements I greatly appreciate the help provided by a number of very knowledgeable friends and colleagues dur- ing the preparation of this monograph. Jon Hare undertook a painstakingly critical review of the entire monograph, corrected omissions, inconsistencies, and errors of fact, and made suggestions which markedly improved its organization and presentation.
    [Show full text]
  • Insectivory Characteristics of the Japanese Marten (Martes Melampus): a Qualitative Review
    Zoology and Ecology, 2019, Volumen 29, Issue 1 Print ISSN: 2165-8005 Online ISSN: 2165-8013 https://doi.org/10.35513/21658005.2019.1.9 INSECTIVORY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JAPANESE MARTEN (MARTES MELAMPUS): A QUALITATIVE REVIEW REVIEW PAPER Masumi Hisano Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Article history Abstract. Insects are rich in protein and thus are important substitute foods for many species of Received: 22 December generalist feeders. This study reviews insectivory characteristics of the Japanese marten (Martes 2018; accepted 27 June 2019 melampus) based on current literature. Across the 16 locations (14 studies) in the Japanese archi- pelago, a total of 80 different insects (including those only identified at genus, family, or order level) Keywords: were listed as marten food, 26 of which were identified at the species level. The consumed insects Carnivore; diet; food were categorised by their locomotion types, and the Japanese martens exploited not only ground- habits; generalist; insects; dwelling species, but also arboreal, flying, and underground-dwelling insects, taking advantage of invertebrates; trait; their arboreality and ability of agile pursuit predation. Notably, immobile insects such as egg mass mustelid of Mantodea spp, as well as pupa/larvae of Vespula flaviceps and Polistes spp. from wasp nests were consumed by the Japanese marten in multiple study areas. This review shows dietary general- ism (specifically ‘food exploitation generalism’) of the Japanese marten in terms of non-nutritive properties (i.e., locomotion ability of prey). INTRODUCTION have important functions for martens with both nutritive and non-nutritive aspects (sensu, Machovsky-Capuska Dietary generalists have capability to adapt their forag- et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Mimicry and Defense
    3/24/2015 Professor Donald McFarlane Mimicry and Defense Protective Strategies Camouflage (“Cryptic coloration”) Diverse Coloration Diversion Structures Startle Structures 2 1 3/24/2015 Camouflage (“Cryptic coloration”) Minimize 3d shape, e.g. flatfish Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) 3 4 2 3/24/2015 Counter‐Shading 5 Disruptive Coloration 6 3 3/24/2015 Polymorphism – Cepeae snails 7 Polymorphism – Oophaga granuliferus 8 4 3/24/2015 Polymorphism – 9 Polymorphism – Oophaga Geographic locations of study populations and their color patterns. (A) Map of the pacific coast of Colombia showing the three study localities: in blue Oophaga histrionica, in orange O. lehmanni, and in green the pHYB population. (B) Examples of color patterns of individuals from the pHYB population (1–4) and the pattern from a hybrid between Oophaga histrionica and O. lehmanni bred in the laboratory (H) 10 5 3/24/2015 Diversion Structures 11 Startle Structures 12 6 3/24/2015 Warning Coloration (Aposematic coloration) Advertise organism as distasteful, toxic or venomous Problem: Predators must learn by attacking prey; predator learning is costly to prey. Therefore strong selective pressure to STANDARDIZE on a few colors/patterns. This is MULLERIAN MIMICRY. Most common is yellow/black, or red/yellow/black 13 Warning Coloration (Aposematic coloration) Bumblebee (Bombus Black and yellow mangrove snake (Boiga sp.) Sand Wasp (bembix oculata) dendrophila) Yellow‐banded poison dart frog (Dendrobates leucomelas Fire salamander ( Salamandra salamandra) 14 7 3/24/2015 Warning Coloration (Aposematic coloration) coral snakes (Micrurus sp.) ~ 50 species in two families, all venomous 15 Batesian Mimicry 1862 –Henry Walter Bates; “A Naturalist on the River Amazons” 16 8 3/24/2015 Batesian Mimicry Batesian mimics “cheat” –they lack toxins, venom, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Cybernetic Camouflage on Human Recipient - Visual Illusion INTERFACE
    Recent Researches in Circuits, Systems, Electronics, Control & Signal Processing Cybernetic Camouflage on Human Recipient - Visual Illusion INTERFACE JIŘÍ F. URBÁNEK, JIŘÍ BARTA, JOZEF HERETÍK, JOSEF NAVRÁTIL and JAROSLAV PRŮCHA* Department of Civil Protection, Dpt of External Relations*, University of Defence, Kounicova 65, 662 10 Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC [email protected]; http://www.unob.cz Abstract: - Perceptive interface between a human recipient (observer) and visible object can be created by complicated components, domains, actors, agents and mediators. A permeability of this interfece is necessary in an environment of colaborative actors at both sides of the interface. Worse permeability or even impermeability of the interface can be asked between antagonistic enemies. Generally, a lot of various interfaces have “smash / fuzzy/ defocusing” contours but their exact definition is helpful for active and passive protection of living objects in the nature. But, the interfaces between potential enemies ask a merge of camouflage systems & processes implementing on special created interface. So, this interface needs a nature / human made camouflage mediator. This mediator must operationally mediate virtual image in real time/ space/ environment. Cybernetic camouflage implementing virtual image operating in visible range of electromagnetic vave spectrum uses data projectors for projection of image on screen interface. From above fundamental principles are created platforms of cybernetic camouflage of Czech University of Defence R&D Grant solution of National Defence Research. It deals grant Project with acronym ADAPTIV - Draft and assertion new adaptive technology for simulation and camouflage in operational environment armed forces of Czech Republic and for infrastructure protection. The resources and “how to” of this Grant asks a finding of new approaches of problems solution, especially in military environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Predatory Behavior of Jumping Spiders
    Annual Reviews www.annualreviews.org/aronline Annu Rev. Entomol. 19%. 41:287-308 Copyrighl8 1996 by Annual Reviews Inc. All rights reserved PREDATORY BEHAVIOR OF JUMPING SPIDERS R. R. Jackson and S. D. Pollard Department of Zoology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand KEY WORDS: salticids, salticid eyes, Portia, predatory versatility, aggressive mimicry ABSTRACT Salticids, the largest family of spiders, have unique eyes, acute vision, and elaborate vision-mediated predatory behavior, which is more pronounced than in any other spider group. Diverse predatory strategies have evolved, including araneophagy,aggressive mimicry, myrmicophagy ,and prey-specific preycatch- ing behavior. Salticids are also distinctive for development of behavioral flexi- bility, including conditional predatory strategies, the use of trial-and-error to solve predatory problems, and the undertaking of detours to reach prey. Predatory behavior of araneophagic salticids has undergone local adaptation to local prey, and there is evidence of predator-prey coevolution. Trade-offs between mating and predatory strategies appear to be important in ant-mimicking and araneo- phagic species. INTRODUCTION With over 4000 described species (1 l), jumping spiders (Salticidae) compose by Fordham University on 04/13/13. For personal use only. the largest family of spiders. They are characterized as cursorial, diurnal predators with excellent eyesight. Although spider eyes usually lack the struc- tural complexity required for acute vision, salticids have unique, complex eyes with resolution abilities without known parallels in animals of comparable size Annu. Rev. Entomol. 1996.41:287-308. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org (98). Salticids are the end-product of an evolutionary process in which a small silk-producing animal with a simple nervous system acquires acute vision, resulting in a diverse array of complex predatory strategies.
    [Show full text]
  • INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of RESEARCH –GRANTHAALAYAH a Knowledge Repository Art
    [Conference-Composition of Colours :December , 2014 ] ISSN- 2350-0530 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v2.i3SE.2014.3515 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of RESEARCH –GRANTHAALAYAH A knowledge Repository Art PROTECTIVE COLORATION IN ANIMALS Leena Lakhani Govt. Girls P.G. College, Ujjain (M.P.) India [email protected] INTRODUCTION Animals have range of defensive markings which helps to the risk of predator detection (camouflage), warn predators of the prey’s unpalatability (aposematism) or fool a predator into mimicry, masquerade. Animals also use colors in advertising, signalling services such as cleaning to animals of other species, to signal sexual status to other members of the same species. Some animals use color to divert attacks by startle (dalmatic behaviour), surprising a predator e.g. with eyespots or other flashes of color or possibly by motion dazzle, confusing a predator attack by moving a bold pattern like zebra stripes. Some animals are colored for physical protection, such as having pigments in the skin to protect against sunburn; some animals can lighten or darken their skin for temperature regulation. This adaptive mechanism is known as protective coloration. After several years of evolution, most animals now achieved the color pattern most suited for their natural habitat and role in the food chains. Animals in the world rely on their coloration for either protection from predators, concealment from prey or sexual selection. In general the purpose of protective coloration is to decrease an organism’s visibility or to alter its appearance to other organisms. Sometimes several forms of protective coloration are superimposed on one animal. TYPES OF PROTECTIVE COLORATION PREVENTIVE DETECTION AND RECOGNITION CRYPSIS AND DISRUPTION Cryptic coloration helps to disguise an animal so that it is less visible to predators or prey.
    [Show full text]
  • Seventh Grade
    Name: _____________________ Maui Ocean Center Learning Worksheet Seventh Grade Our mission is to foster understanding, wonder and respect for Hawai‘i’s Marine Life. Based on benchmarks SC.6.3.1, SC. 7.3.1, SC. 7.3.2, SC. 7.5.4 Maui Ocean Center SEVENTH GRADE 1 Interdependent Relationships Relationships A food web (or chain) shows how each living thing gets its food. Some animals eat plants and some animals eat other animals. For example, a simple food chain links plants, cows (that eat plants), and humans (that eat cows). Each link in this chain is food for the next link. A food chain always starts with plant life and ends with an animal. Plants are called producers (they are also autotrophs) because they are able to use light energy from the sun to produce food (sugar) from carbon dioxide and water. Animals cannot make their own food so they must eat plants and/or other animals. They are called consumers (they are also heterotrophs). There are three groups of consumers. Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores. Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores. Animals and people who eat both animals and plants are called omnivores. Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) feed on decaying matter. These decomposers speed up the decaying process that releases minerals back into the food chain for absorption by plants as nutrients. Do you know why there are more herbivores than carnivores? In a food chain, energy is passed from one link to another. When a herbivore eats, only a fraction of the energy (that it gets from the plant food) becomes new body mass; the rest of the energy is lost as waste or used up (by the herbivore as it moves).
    [Show full text]